Figwort is a large herbaceous perennial plant with modest greenish-red flower clusters that bloom in July and August. It has traditionally been used as herbal remedy for warts and various skin diseases.

Figwort grows mainly in moist and lush forests, shady groves and in thickets. It is widely prevalent in Europe, the Caucasus, Western Siberia and the northern parts of Central Asia.

Figwort has nutrient storages in its roots. Its flowers are pollinated by wasps, which is uncommon, since wasps pollinate only a few plant species. A figwort seed found in Britain was found to be several millions of years old.

The species has benefitted from human activities and grows quite commonly in roadside ditches and on forest edges. Figwort has a bad smell, so animals avoid eating it, which has also contributed to its proliferation. As a common species that grows even on wasteland, Figwort plant does not need special protection.